However, my post was speaking more to the flaws, as evidenced above in the 2 examples given (and I have a ton of these examples) of how lenders get caught up in the minutia, and sometimes that leads to a lesser net to them in the end.   

It prevents wear in the heavy use part of the stairs and provides sure footing than uncovered stairs, which can be slick and dangerous.

See any flaws or have any advice? 

Any flaws in this strategy (other than buying off MLS doesn't get me the most bang for my buck)? 

For example, if the seller is pushing you to close on time, you may have uncovered a land mine.   

A lot of my preliminary research has uncovered lots of papers on residential real estate booms and busts in this time period, but it's been tough finding strictly CRE papers.

As well, an inspection 'should' uncover any issues / damage and can be addressed in the PSA vs doing it after contract and used for 're-negotiations'.Good luck.

From all points of view, its design flaw is that it will crash every so often.

I dont like the idea of using a Heloc but maybe my thinking is flawed. 

was fraud.In my opinion, your conclusions you've drawn are flawed.